Related
PREMIUM
Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple
This should circulate often in an elementary library and keep readers engaged enough to continue with the subsequent books.
PREMIUM
Action Dude
Steeped in clever humor, this story is worthy of multiple readings and will leave readers wanting more. Give this one to fans of “Dog Man” and “Katie the Catsitter.”
Early elementary readers will delight in Willa and Wade’s high jinks, while grown-ups will appreciate the underlying lesson of resilience. A solid addition to school and public collections.
PREMIUM
Buns Gone Bad
Fans of “The Bad Guys’’ series by Aaron Blabey will welcome these rascally rabbits in this new series that’s ideal for any graphic novel collection.
A clever and charming early reader with a fun out-of-the-blue turn of events and just a few words per page, this is an ideal story for burgeoning readers and a welcome book for any collection.
PREMIUM
Pete the Cat: Scaredy Cat!
Recommended for purchase where Pete and early readers are in demand.
A serviceable addition to early reader collections, and an obvious choice for libraries where the chapter book series is popular.
A wonderfully shareable early reader that is perfect for schools and libraries.
PREMIUM
This Book Will Self-Destruct
Highly recommended for all graphic collections, especially those who are looking for a new series.
Hank’s story will break readers’ hearts before putting them back together again. Highly recommended for all middle grade collections.
PREMIUM
Moon Madness
A speedy but satisfying read that should appeal to a wide range of readers who want the perfect combination of scary, clever, funny, and quick.
PREMIUM
Ratty
A bizarre, sweet story of self-discovery and compassion that the right readers will enjoy, if they can get past the rodents of unusual size.
PREMIUM
Ghostly, Ghastly Tales
A horror anthology that will find an eager audience of young thrill seekers.
PREMIUM
Asking for a Friend
Ultimately this sweet novel reads like an old-school afternoon TV special. It’s realistic, if a bit cheesy, light entertainment with an obvious and hopeful message.
Highly recommended for readers looking for a unique take on the werewolf trope. Readers will root for the gentle and introspective protagonist.
PREMIUM
The Strange Wonders of Roots
Hand this book to young readers who love realistic fiction and want to save the planet.
Descriptive language and varying types of poetry make this an enjoyable read, but the element of horror is minimal. Recommended for readers who ask for a scary book but aren’t quite ready for R.L. Stine or Mary Downing Hahn.
PREMIUM
The Girl Who Kept the Castle
An enchanting middle grade fantasy and excellent start to this adventurous duology.
This book features a diverse cast of characters for readers who like cooking, mysteries, and realistic fiction; it will circulate well in libraries where mysteries and friendship stories are popular.
PREMIUM
My Little Pony: Misty’s Tale
A beginning-to-read first fantasy title for My Little Pony enthusiasts.
Full of humor and heart, this book will be enjoyed by fans of InvestiGators by John Patrick Green and the “Hilo” series by Judd Winick.
An impactful story about discovering how to declare yourself proudly and bring awareness to your community; this opens an important window into the modern-day life of Native American culture that has yet to be fully explored thoroughly in middle grade literature.
Perfect for “Elephant and Piggie” fans who are ready to expand their horizons.
A powerful story about self-acceptance and showing up for life that should be put in the hands of all middle school readers.
PREMIUM
The Truth About Triangles
An inspiring, culinary treat. Recommended for medium to large collections and any shelf where there are aspiring foodies in the audience.
PREMIUM
Los Bravos
This fun Spanish-language title is perfect for young readers and fans of graphic novels and all things monsters!
PREMIUM
I’m Not Scary
While the book adds nothing new to the canon, it is a gentle story that young readers will enjoy. Recommended for large picture book collections.
A beautiful and sometimes haunting narrative that will appeal to readers of both realistic and fantasy fiction.
This moving novel carries a powerful message about the meaning of family and the importance of community. Highly recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
In the Shallows
Slow pacing and repetitious dialogue mar this book’s journey to its unexpected ending, but for readers who enjoy character-focused psychological dramas akin to E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars and Karen M. McManus’s One of Us Is Lying, this is a solid, sapphic, addition to the genre.
A great addition to bilingual board book collections for children, especially where Lil’ Libros titles are popular.
PREMIUM
El vuelo de Sofía
A lovely Spanish-language picture book that would make a solid addition to school and public libraries.
PREMIUM
Your Blood, My Bones
Give to readers who are looking for a story with dark vibes and do not mind a slower paced, highly character driven novel.
PREMIUM
Zooloween
With its hilarious storyline and captivating artwork, this book is a joyous celebration of Halloween spirit and friendship.
PREMIUM
Too Scared to Sleep
This debut collection will go down as a young horror fan’s ideal example of scary. It will jump off shelves during spooky season, and word-of-mouth should keep it in constant demand, year-round.
Not an essential purchase, but a cute addition for libraries looking to expand their Halloween board book collection.
PREMIUM
The Notes
A captivating musical coming-of-age novel that sensitively explores racial identity, belonging, and mental illness.
PREMIUM
The Littlest Christmas Tree
Sweet and somewhat notable for having a single-parent household, this story can be a suitable addition to Christmas collections. But it is not a must, especially for those that already have the similar title by Chapman, Is It Christmas Yet?
A fabulous read-aloud that offers many opportunities for choral reading and movement, this text will have everyone dancing and saying “One more!”
PREMIUM
Río de mariposas
A wonderful Spanish-language story that will leave young readers in awe, whether as a read aloud or an independent read. Magical.
PREMIUM
El rescatador de plantas
Educators will appreciate the message about the importance of research and nature, and kids will enjoy the relatable story. A great choice for Spanish-language picture book shelves.
PREMIUM
A Web of Christmas Love
In a field of seemingly infinite Christmas picture books, both Christian and secular, this title does not stand out. Recommended as an additional purchase for religious Christmas collections.
PREMIUM
The End of Always
Coming of age isn’t easy, especially when you’re trapped in a survivalist camp. A first purchase for readers of realistic fiction.
PREMIUM
La verdad sobre el sofá
This meta–picture book will be a favorite for kids with its animal protagonists, laugh-out-loud plot, and character interactions.
PREMIUM
Every Time You Hear That Song
A vivid queer romance whose characters and plot will captivate readers. A strong purchase.
This gentle story is written in a Spanish that sounds like home with familiar themes and images of family, root countries, and a love that spans distances; children will wait in line to have a turn to share it with their families.
PREMIUM
The Little Christmas Tree
Young kids may find the fir trees particularly amusing in this amiable Christmas story.
PREMIUM
This Night Is Ours
Recommended for high school collections, this is sure to be a hit for fans of whirlwind romances such as those by Nicola Yoon and Rachel Lynn Solomon.
PREMIUM
Mr. Katz and Me
An inspiring story of intergenerational friendship, recommended for libraries everywhere.
PREMIUM
Right Here, Right Now
This title will prove intriguing, both for high school students taking physics and fans of romance. A thought-provoking read for those who like realistic fiction with a scientific twist.
A book that deserves both its own anime adaptation and a spot on the shelves of any library with fantasy-loving teens.
PREMIUM
Linus and Etta Could Use a Win
The message of trans acceptance is front and center in this realistic fiction title; Huntoon creates meaningful and authentic conversations around topics important to trans youth and allies, while also maintaining a lighter tone that is more accessible for the middle school reader. Recommended.
Miami is unreal. That’s why it was the inspiration for in my newest YA novel, Death’s Country.
Hi-Lo titles are high-interest stories written at a lower reading level for striving readers. These 24 books, in genres ranging from romance to horror, are sure to grip readers with relatable main characters and contemporary coming-of-age themes.
This great read is a real page-turner and will especially appeal to readers who love family stories and readers who (like me) like their fantasy to be quite grounded in reality. An absolutely smashing read that everyone should pick up this summer!
PREMIUM
The Storyteller
A fresh selection to offer to young children experiencing the loss of a loved one; a good choice for the grief or intergenerational shelves.
PREMIUM
The Blue Pickup
A beautiful celebration of the bond between a grandfather and his grandchild, and the importance of preserving the past through storytelling.
PREMIUM
Nana in the Country
This heartwarming tale of intergenerational connection, complemented by its inviting artwork, is a delightful addition to any library or collection.
PREMIUM
Peg Gets Crackin’
Simple text could make for a fun read-aloud, but stronger titles are available about both chickens and anxiety: the human baby in Fran Manushkin’s Baby, Come Out! faces a similar dilemma and the suspense is all but unbearable and so satisfying.
PREMIUM
Kenya
A simple yet well-crafted story, as text and illustrations depict activities familiar to children everywhere as well as introduce language and facts about life in Kenya.
Quintero’s words speak to bonds of care, while the glorious illustrations sing of bodies round and safe. In this must-purchase, there is bounty of feeling, respect for physicality, touch, and sensation, wrapped in a picture book pocket.
A fable wherein the courage of the lion was in the girl all along. Jackson imbues what could have been a tired concept with depth, breadth, and power. Great for reading aloud in a group or individual sharing and an excellent addition to all collections.
PREMIUM
Not Perfect
An sweet narrative promoting resilience and embracing imperfection, this is an amiable addition to the shelves.
PREMIUM
Boba Emotions: A Bilingual Book in English and Cantonese with Traditional Characters and Jyutping
Recommended for a slightly older age group than the usual board book audience, but still, quite a find.
A great choice for collections in need of books with diverse family composition.
PREMIUM
Stay Dead
Perfect for fans of What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson or Be Not Far From Me by Mindy McGinnis.
PREMIUM
Icarus
A poignant exploration of family, identity, and self-discovery, offering late teens a thought-provoking journey as they navigate the complexities of emerging into new adulthood.
PREMIUM
What Monstrous Gods
While billed as a loose interpretation of the “Sleeping Beauty” tale, this dark fantasy is more akin to Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin with its religious musings about duty, love, and purpose.
PREMIUM
Not Like Other Girls
This strong debut belongs on library shelves, especially where mysteries are popular.
PREMIUM
Cancelled
This ode to feminism belongs on shelves where similar works are popular and also makes an excellent title for discussion.
An evocative novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, history, and psychology, this is a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking puzzle that explores the lasting impacts of war. Highly recommended for any collection but particularly for libraries where Alan Gratz or Elizabeth Wein books are popular.
PREMIUM
The Ballad of Darcy and Russell
This look at the realities of what comes after love-at-first-sight is worth a read, especially for those who enjoyed Nicola Yoon’s The Sun Is Also a Star and Jennifer E. Smith’s The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.
PREMIUM
Off With Their Heads
An additional purchase for collections where retellings circulate well, and a further recommendation that the book will likely resonate with fans of Chloe Gong and Rin Chupeco.
Providing necessary AANHPI representation, humor, and instant middle school appeal, this novel is a first purchase.
PREMIUM
10 Things I Love About Hanukkah
With nothing new presented, this an additional purchase unlikely to stand out on the overcrowded holiday bookshelf.
A basic counting book for babies that is mildly Halloween-themed.
Not only a survey of various animals, this will resonate with little ones who see themselves reflected in the mongoose, needing an outlet for its energy before settling into the family burrow and falling fast asleep.
An engaging and bright treatment of a Mexican sculptor that will inspire burgeoning artists, purchase this bilingual book for elementary collections.
PREMIUM
How Starling Got His Speckles
This modern fable that combines science with storytelling will find a home complementing early nature and science instruction.
PREMIUM
Marley’s Pride
A sensitive work, based in bittersweet lessons, this is also a practical guide to overcoming anxiety with the help of others.
PREMIUM
Book, Beast, and Crow
A good starter suspense tale for middle schoolers, but older or more experienced mystery readers may find it lacking in depth.
PREMIUM
A Whisper in the Walls
A spectacular sequel in an exciting fantasy series and a must-purchase for all libraries serving high schoolers.
PREMIUM
Olive Blackwood Takes Action!
An important message about overcoming anxiety is muddled in a busy plot. Purchase for larger collections.
An important novel for every library to have. Readers will find they’re not alone in dealing with a loved one’s addiction, as an estimated one in eight children have a parent dealing with substance abuse.
It’s not a perfect summer at the beach, but Winnie’s feelings are perfectly real, and the resolution is satisfying and hopeful. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Halfway to Harbor
Fans of the series will love Harbor and her family, and will root for her on and off the court.
PREMIUM
The Spindle of Fate
A worthy addition to any library where readers are gobbling up fantasy, and more importantly, a poignant story about family grief and love.
PREMIUM
Vega’s Piece of the Sky
A multiple-viewpoint realistic novel with broad appeal recommended for most upper elementary, middle school, or public libraries.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
